Locked On Badgers

MOMENTUM: Jake Butt joins to talk Wisconsin Badgers’ Big Ten Evolution—Luke Fickell’s IMPACT! Wisconsin Badgers football faces a turning point as Luke Fickell aims to restore belief and identity to the program amidst injuries and a tough Big Ten schedule. Jake Butt, former Michigan star and BTN analyst, joins Ryan Harings to dissect the Badgers’ rollercoaster season—highlighting Carter Smith’s emergence at quarterback, the growing impact of young linebackers like Posa and Catalano, and the importance of locker room chemistry in turbulent times. Can Wisconsin’s renewed focus and NIL commitment vault them into the Big Ten’s top tier, or will strategic missteps and program culture hold them back? Key topics include the fallout from the Phil Longo hire, lessons from Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan rebuild, Wisconsin’s NIL ambitions, and how offensive line intelligence shapes team success. Butt shares insider stories, including a memorable interaction with Greg Gillum, and offers crucial perspectives on roster building, f